Captiva Cruises resumes trips to Pine Island

December 12, 2012

Captiva Cruises' newest expedition in its "Discover Southwest Florida History" tours will focus on the fishing cultures in Pine Island Sound; a story of fascinating characters and traditions. This cruise will depart from McCarthy's Marina on Captiva on Tuesday's at 10 a.m., and travel to Pineland on Pine Island.

Along the way passengers will get an up close look at historic fish houses of Pine Island Sound and discuss the area's diverse fishing cultures from the indigenous Calusa, to Spanish Cuban Ranchos, to the Punta Gorda Fish Company and to the spectacular Tarpon and sport fishing of today. The Tarpon Lodge will greet passengers, who will be oriented to this spectacular location, the family run business and its storied tradition of fishing within Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor.

Passengers then will relax while enjoying "old Florida" charm of the 1926 Tarpon Lodge where lunch will be savored with waterfront views of Pine Island Sound and mangrove islands. After lunch, passengers will walk across the street to The Randell Research Center. The RRC, a program of the Florida Museum of Natural History, aims to establish and maintain, at the internationally significant Pineland archeological and historical site, a permanent facility dedicated to learning and teaching the archeology, history and ecology of Southwest Florida. An RRC educator will guide us on The Calusa Heritage Trail to one of the pre-Columbian Mounds of the ancient Calusa while elaborating on this unique fishing culture.

Article Photos

Fish Houses in the Pine Island Sound

This cruise to Pine Island will depart from McCarthy's Marina on Captiva. Captiva Cruises also offers cruises to Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Boca Grande, The Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Beach & Shelling excursions to Cayo Costa State Park, Sailing Adventures, Sunset Cruises, and Dolphin Watch & Wildlife Adventures with The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. These are excellent opportunities for families and neighborhoods to get together and learn about the history of Southwest Florida while enjoying a day out on the water.

Additional information and reservations for the cruise to the historic Tarpon Lodge & Calusa Indian mounds of Pine Island or any of Captiva Cruises programs and tours may be obtained by calling Captiva Cruises at 472-5300.